Flush toilet

ABSTRACT

A flush toilet comprises a toilet body, a water supply pipe connected to supply wash water, a discharge port connected to discharge wash water, a valve disposed between the water supply pipe and the discharge port, a valve switching device connected to switch the valve, a spring operably connected to drive the valve switching device, a mechanical timer and a starter operably connected to supply the spring with strain energy. The spring releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive the valve switching device, and the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strain energy released from the spring to regulate duration of the operation of the spring.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a flush toilet provided with a toiletbody, a first means for supplying wash water, a second means fordischarging wash water, a third means for operating as a valve disposedbetween the first means and the second means, a fourth means forswitching the third means, a fifth means for driving the fourth means,and a timer for regulating the duration of the operation of the fifthmeans.

BACKGROUND ART

Flush toilets provided with a toilet body, a first means for supplyingwash water, a second means for discharging wash water, a third means foroperating as a valve disposed between the first means and the secondmeans, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means fordriving the fourth means, and a timer for regulating the duration of theoperation of the fifth means are widely used.

In the aforementioned flush toilets, the fifth means drives the fourthmeans, the fourth means opens the third means to lead wash water to thesecond means, the second means discharges the wash water to the toiletbody to flush it, the fourth means closes the third means to stopsupplying the second means with the wash water, and the flushing of thetoilet body is finished.

The timer regulates the duration of the operation of the fifth means toregulate the duration of the operation of the fourth means. Thus, theduration of opening the third means is regulated and quantity of thewash water used for flushing the toilet body is regulated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The conventional flush toilet is provided with an electric timer.Therefore, the duration of the operation of the fifth means becomesimpossible regulate and the flushing of the toilet body becomesimpossible to carry out at an electric service interruption.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flushtoilet provided with a toilet body, a first means for supplying washwater, a second means for discharging wash water, a third means foroperating as a valve disposed between the first means and the secondmeans, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means fordriving the fourth means, and a timer for regulating the duration of theoperation of the fifth means, wherein the toilet body can be flushedeven at an electric service interruption.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flushtoilet comprising a toilet body, a first means for supplying wash water,a second means for discharging wash water, a third means for operatingas a valve disposed between the first means and the second means, afourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means for drivingthe fourth means, a mechanical timer and a sixth means for beingmanipulated to supply the fifth means with strain energy, wherein thefifth means releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive thefourth means, and the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strainenergy released from the fifth means to regulate duration of theoperation of the fifth means, and further comprising a seventh means foradjusting the rate of the strain energy consumption by the mechanicaltimer to adjust the duration of the operation of the fifth means,wherein the seventh means alternatively selects one among a plurality ofrates of strain energy consumption different from each other.

In a flush toilet in accordance with the present invention, the toiletbody can be flushed even at an electric service interruption because themechanical timer regulates the duration of the operation of the fifthmeans.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therate of the strain energy consumption by the mechanical timer increasesand decreases as the driving velocity of the fifth means increases anddecreases.

Resistance against the operation of the fifth means increases anddecreases as the strain energy consumption increases and decreases.Therefore, the driving velocity of the fifth means is kept constant andthe timing of switching the third means is kept constant even if thedriving force of the fifth means fluctuates a little.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, themechanical timer comprises a generator driven by the fifth means and acurrent consumer connected to the generator.

The duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjusted byadjusting the rate of the consumption of the strain energy released fromthe fifth means. The strain energy released from the fifth means can beconsumed as electric power. The current consumer can be adjusted easilyTherefore, electric power consumption can be adjusted easily, durationof the operation of the fifth means can be adjusted easily, and thequantity of the wash water used for flushing the toilet body can beadjusted easily.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises an eighth means for being manipulated tomanipulate the seventh means.

The duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjusted easilyby manipulating the seventh means with the eighth means.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theseventh means is manipulated with the sixth means.

When the seventh means is manipulated with the sixth means, it becomesunnecessary to manipulate another means for adjusting the duration ofthe operation of the fifth means and the manipulation for adjusting theduration of the operation of the fifth means becomes easy.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thethird means comprises a pilot-operated valve.

When a pilot-operated valve is used, the force necessary for switchingthe third means decreases, the fifth means is downsized, and the forcenecessary for manipulating the sixth means decreases.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a pipe connecting a pilot valve portionof the pilot-operated valve with a switching valve portion of thepilot-operated valve.

When a pipe connects a pilot valve portion of the pilot-operated valvewith a switching valve portion of the pilot-operated valve, it becomespossible to dispose the pilot valve portion distanced from the switchingvalve portion, and degrees of freedom in arranging the third meansincreases.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet comprises a plurality of the second means, and the thirdmeans comprises a switching valve disposed on a wash water passageextending from the first means and a selector valve for alternativelysupplying one of the second means with wash water.

When a plurality of the second means discharge the wash watersuccessively, the flushing of the toilet body becomes efficient and thequantity of the wash water used for flushing the toilet body decreases.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theselector valve is disposed downstream of the switching valve andconnected to the switching valve in series.

The selector valve disposed downstream of the switching valve is notexposed to a high pressure because a pressure loss is generated when thewash water passes through the switching valve. Therefore, the selectorvalve need not be strengthened for high pressure and can be downsized.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a ninth means for being manipulated toopen the switching valve.

A large force is necessary for opening the switching valve. When a userof the flush toilet manipulates the ninth means to open the switchingvalve, the driving force supplied by the fifth means switches theselector valve which is not exposed to a high pressure and does not needa large force to open and close it, and the driving force supplied bythe fifth means closes the switching valve which does not need a largeforce to close it, the fifth means can be downsized and the forcenecessary for manipulating the sixth means can be reduced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thesixth means forms the ninth means.

When the sixth means forms the ninth means, it becomes unnecessary toprovide the ninth means and the number of elements decreases.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a tenth means for regulating flow rate ofthe wash water.

The flow rate of the wash water and quantity of the wash water used forflushing the toilet body can be optimized corresponding to thespecifications of the flush toilet by regulating the flow rate of thewash water.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thetenth means is an eleventh means for achieving a constant flow rate.

The eleventh means suppresses the fluctuation of the flow rate of thedischarging wash water due to the fluctuation of the pressure of thewash water supplied by the first means. Therefore, it becomes possibleto flush the toilet body stably.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a case for receiving the third means, thefourth means, the fifth means and the mechanical timer.

When the third means, the fourth means, the fifth means and themechanical timer are received in a case, it becomes difficult to tamperwith the flush toilet in a way that might change the timing of thedischarge of the wash water and/or damage the aforementioned devices,etc.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a twelfth means for regulating themanipulated variable of the sixth means at a predetermined level.

Regulating the manipulated variable of the sixth means enables thestrain energy accumulated in the fifth means to be regulated accurately,the duration of the operation of the fifth means to be regulatedaccurately, the timing of switching the third means and the timing ofdischarging the wash water to be regulated accurately, and the quantityof discharging wash water can to regulated accurately.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means moves reciprocally and its operation in the outwardmovement is asymmetrical with that in the homeward movement.

The fourth means with reciprocal movement can be downsized. When theoperation of the fourth means in the outward movement is asymmetricalwith that in the homeward movement, the manner of discharging the washwater is optimized and the efficiency of flushing the toilet body isenhanced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means is driven only by the fifth means.

When the fourth means is driven only by the fifth means, the duration ofthe operation thereof can be regulated accurately by the mechanicaltimer, the timing of switching the third means can be regulatedaccurately and the quantity of the discharging wash water can beregulated accurately.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a thirteenth means for releasing theengagement of the sixth means with the fifth means after the operationof the sixth means for supplying the fifth means with strain energy iscompleted to return the sixth means to the start point.

When the sixth means returns to the start point just after themanipulation of the sixth means is completed, a user of the flush toiletfeels easy.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thethird means closes under the upstream pressure.

When the third means closes under the upstream pressure, no failure instopping the wash water occurs even if the pressure of the wash watersupplied by the first means is high.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means comprises a cam.

Various wash water discharge modes can be achieved by changing the shapeof the cam.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thecam is provided with a shape wherein the component of a force appliedfrom the cam to the third means in the direction of switching of thethird means is larger than that in the direction at right angles to theaforementioned direction.

When the component of the force applied from the cam to the third meansin the direction of switching of the third means is larger than that inthe direction at right angles to the aforementioned direction, thedriving force of the fifth means can be reduced, the fifth means can bedownsized, and the force for manipulating the sixth means can bereduced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means comprises a plurality of cams and the shape of the cam forswitching the third means in the outward movement of the fourth means isdifferent from that of the cam for switching the third means in thehomeward movement of the fourth means.

When the shape of the cam for switching the third means in the outwardmovement of the fourth means is different from that of the cam forswitching the third means in the homeward movement of the fourth means,the manner of discharging the wash water becomes optimized and theefficiency of flushing the toilet body is enhanced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means comprises a first cam for opening the switching valve and asecond cam for closing the switching valve, the first cam has a shapeadapted to gradually open the switching valve, and the second cam has ashape adapted to rapidly close the switching valve.

When the switching valve exposed to a high water pressure is openedgradually, the force for opening the switching valve decreases and thefifth means can be downsized. When the switching valve is closedrapidly, the time necessary for flushing the toilet body is reduced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means comprises a third cam for switching the selector valve, andthe third cam has a shape adapted to gradually open the selector valveand rapidly close the selector valve.

When the selector valve is opened gradually, the force for manipulatingthe selector valve is reduced and the fifth means is downsized. When theselector valve is closed rapidly, the time necessary for flushing thetoilet body is reduced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means comprises a cam and a fourteenth means for engaging the camwith the third means alternatively at the outward movement of the fourthmeans or at the homeward movement of the fourth means.

When the cam is engaged with the third means alternatively in theoutward movement of the fourth means or in the homeward movement of thefourth means, the operation of the fourth means for switching the thirdmeans at its outward movement becomes asymmetrical to that at itshomeward movement. Therefore, the manner of discharging the wash wateris optimized and the efficiency of flushing the toilet body is enhanced.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means comprises a fifteenth means for forcing the fourteenthmeans to a position where the fourteenth means can engage the cam.

When the fourteenth means is forced to a position where the fourteenthmeans can engage the cam, the engagement between the fourteenth meansand the cam is surely achieved, the operation of the fourth means forswitching the third means becomes sure, and the operation of the flushtoilet for flushing the toilet body becomes sure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourteenth means and the cam move reciprocally in one united body.

When the fourteenth means and the cam move reciprocally in one unitedbody, the fourth means is downsized.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theflush toilet further comprises a sixteenth means for controlling thestroke of the reciprocal movement of the fourth means.

When the stroke of the reciprocal movement of the fourth means iscontrolled, the timing of switching the third means is controlled andthe quantity of the wash water used for flushing the toilet body iscontrolled.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefourth means opens the switching valve in its outward movement.

When the fourth means opens the switching valve in its outward movement,it becomes possible to reduce the stroke of the reciprocal movement ofthe fourth means, thereby discharging the wash water only from aselected one among a plurality of the second means. Such a manner ofdischarging the wash water is convenient for cleaning the toilet body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of a flush toilet in accordance with a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a valve controller provided for the flushtoilet in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a switching valve provided for the flushtoilet in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing relations between the movement of a valveswitching device and the switching operations of the switching valve anda selector valve in the flush toilet in accordance with the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relation between the movement of the valveswitching device and the pattern of discharging the wash water in theflush toilet in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a valve controller provided for a flushtoilet in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve controller provided for a flushtoilet in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a first cam provided for the valve controllerof FIGS. 6 and 7 seen from the right in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a clutch projection providedfor the valve controller of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a second cam provided for the valvecontroller of FIGS. 6 and 7 seen from the right in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a third cam provided for the valve controllerof FIGS. 6 and 7 seen from the right in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a mechanical timer providedfor the valve controller of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an accelerator provided for themechanical timer of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a set of sectional views of a pilot-operated switching valveand a pilot-operated selector valve.

FIG. 15 is a set of time charts of the switching operations of pilotvalves of the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operatedselector valve.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a pattern of discharging the wash waterwhen the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operated selectorvalve are used.

FIG. 17 is a set of sectional views of the valve switching device and astart button showing a mechanism for controlling the stroke of thereciprocal movement of the valve switching device.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a variation of the valve controllerprovided for the flush toilet in accordance with the second preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram of a variation of the mechanical timerprovided for the flush toilet in accordance with the second preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a flush toilet provided with avariation of the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operatedselector valve.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a flush toilet provided with avariation of the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operatedselector valve.

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of an adjuster of a current consumerprovided for the mechanical timer.

FIG. 23 is a structural view of another mechanical timer.

FIG. 24 is a structural view of a push button type starter of the valvecontroller.

FIG. 25 is a structural view of a setting device of the current consumerprovided for the mechanical timer.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A flush toilet in accordance with a first preferred embodiment will bedescribed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pipe 1 is connected to a domestic water supplypipe. A switching valve 2 and a selector valve 3 are disposed on thepipe 1 in series. The selector valve 3 is disposed downstream of theswitching valve 2. The switching valve 2 opens and closes a waterpassage formed in the pipe 1. The selector valve 3 opens and closes aninlet of a pipe 1 a branching from the pipe 1. The pipe 1 communicateswith rim discharge ports 4 a formed in a rim of a toilet body 4 at itsdownstream end. The rim discharge ports 4 a are directed downward. Thepipe 1 a communicates with a jet discharge nozzle 4 b disposed on thebottom of a bowl portion of the toilet body 4 at its downstream end. Thejet discharge nozzle 4 b is directed toward a trap discharging passageof the toilet body.

A valve controller 5 is disposed to control the operations of theswitching valve 2 and the selector valve 3.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the valve controller 5 is provided with amechanical timer A which also serves as a driving device, a valveswitching device B and a start button C.

The mechanical timer A is provided with a cylinder 6. The cylinder 6 isprovided with a circumferential wall 6 a and end walls 6 b and 6 c. Theend wall 6 b is provided with an air hole 6 d. The end wall 6 c isprovided with an orifice 7.

A piston 8 is inserted in the cylinder 6. The piston 8 is provided witha piston rod 8 a and a piston head 8 b. The piston rod 8 a penetratesthe end wall 6 b to slide. The piston head 8 b abuts against the innercircumferential surface of the cylindrical wall 6 a of the cylinder toslide. The abutment is sealed with an O-ring 9. The O-ring 9 is receivedin a groove 8 b ₁ formed in the circumferential surface of the pistonhead 8 b. A side wall of the groove 8 b ₁ opposite the end wall 6 b ofthe cylinder 6 is cut out partially over an appropriate length. Achamber α is formed between the piston head 8 b and the end wall 6 b anda chamber β is formed between the piston head 8 b and the end wall 6 c.A coil spring 10 is disposed in the chamber B.

The valve switching device B is provided with a spindle 11. The spindle11 abuts against the free end of the piston rod 8 a at its one end. Thespindle 11 is inserted in a guide hole formed in a guide member 12 to bemovable in the longitudinal direction. The spindle 11 is provided with acam 11 a on its one side surface. The cam 11 a is provided with a slope11 a ₁ adapted to increase the diameter of the spindle 11 from one endabutting against the free end of the piston rod 8 a toward the other endand a straight surface 11 a ₂ connecting to the end of the slope 11 a ₁.

The spindle 11 is provided with a concave 11 b on it's the other sidesurface. A surface of the concave 11 b crossing at right angles with thelongitudinal axis of the spindle 11 forms a cam 11 c. A cam engagingmember 13 is disposed in the concave 11 b. The cam engaging member 13 isconnected to the spindle 11 to swing between a first position indicatedby a solid line in FIG. 2(a) where the cam engaging member 13 abutsagainst the cam 11 c to project outward in the radial direction from thespindle 11 at its one end and a second position indicated by a phantomline in FIG. 2(a) where the cam engaging member 13 leaves the cam 11 cto be received in the concave 11 b as a whole. The cam engaging member13 stays at the first position under the force of a weak return spring13 a when no load is applied to the cam engaging member 13.

A cam rod 14 is disposed opposite the cam 11 a of the spindle 11 and atright angles to the longitudinal axis of the spindle 11. A cam rod 15 isdisposed opposite the cam engaging member 13 and at right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the spindle 11. The cam rod 14 is connected to theswitching valve 2. The cam rod 15 is connected to the selector valve 3.

The start button C is provided with a button body 16. The button body 16is inserted in a guide hole 17 a formed in a guide member 17 to move inthe longitudinal direction. The button body 16 is provided with a flange16 a at its one end. The guide hole 17 a is provided with a step 17 bfor receiving the flange 16 a. The button body 16 abuts against theother end of the spindle 11 at its one end provided with the flange 16a.

Structure of the selector valve 3 is shown in FIG. 3. The selector valve3 is provided with a case 3 a connected to the pipes 1 and 1 a, a valvebody 3 b and a valve seat 3 c. The cam rod 15 is fixed to the valve body3 b. A coil spring 3 d is disposed between them. The coil spring 3 dforces the valve body 3 b to abut it against the valve seat 3 c. When noexternal load is applied to the cam rod 15, the valve body 3 b abutsagainst the valve seat 3 c under the biasing force of the coil spring 3d and the upstream pressure to close the inlet of the pipe 1 a. When anexternal load is applied to the cam rod 15 and the cam rod 15 is forcedtoward the valve body 3 b, the valve body 3 b leaves the valve seat 3 cagainst the biasing force of the coil spring 3 d to open the inlet ofthe pipe 1 a. As indicated by arrows, a part of the wash water passingthrough the pipe 1 flows into the pipe 1 a through the selector valve 3.

The switching valve 2 has the same structure as the selector valve 3.

The switching valve 2, the selector valve 3, the valve controller 5,etc. are disposed in a receiving space formed in the toilet body 4. Thereceiving space is not shown in Figures.

The operation of the flush toilet in accordance with the presentpreferred embodiment will be described.

When the flush toilet is not being used, the valve controller 5 is inthe initial condition as shown in FIG. 2(a). The switching valve 2closes the water passage formed in the pipe 1 and the selector valve 3closes the inlet of the pipe 1 a.

The button body 16 of the start button C projects from the guide member17 forming a ceiling of the receiving space in the toilet body 4. Theflange 16 a abuts against the step 17 b.

The spindle 11 of the valve switching device B is located at the startpoint and projects from the guide member 12. The cam engaging member 13is located at the first position. The cam rod 14 is located between thecam 11 a and the end wall 6 b of the cylinder 6. The cam rod 15 islocated between the cam engaging member 13 and the end wall 6 b of thecylinder 6.

A user of the flush toilet manually pushes the button body 16 of thestart button C in the guide member 17 to start flushing the toilet body.As indicated by void arrows in FIG. 2(a), the button body 16 starts tomove toward the cylinder 6, the spindle 11 starts outward movement fromthe start point toward the cylinder 6, and the piston head 8 b starts tomove in the cylinder 6 toward the end wall 6 c, while compressing thecoil spring 10 to supply the coils spring 10 with strain energy.

As indicated by a phantom line in FIG. 2(a), the O-ring 9 is exposed toa friction force from the circumferential wall 6 a of the cylinder 6 tobe extruded partially from the groove 8 b ₁ through the cutout formed inthe side wall of the groove 8 b ₁. Thus, the seal by the O-ring 9 isbroken. Air in the chamber β with its volume decreasing flows into thechamber α with its volume increasing through a space between the pistonhead 8 b and the circumferential wall 6 a of the cylinder 6. Air flowsinto the chamber a with its volume increasing through an air hole 6 dformed in the end wall 6 b of the cylinder 6.

The cam 11 a of the spindle 11 engages the cam rod 14 to engage theswitching valve 2 through the cam rod 14. The cam 11 a forces the camrod 14 away from the spindle 11 as indicated by a void arrow to open theswitching valve 2 through the cam rod 14 against the water pressure inthe pipe 1.

Wash water flows into the pipe 1 downstream of the switching valve 2.The wash water reaches the rim discharge holes 4 a through the pipe 1 todischarge from the rim discharge holes 4 a, thereby flushing the innersurface of the upper part of the bowl of the toilet body 4.

When the cam engaging member 13 contacts with the cam rod 15, it swingsfrom the first position to the second position under a load applied bythe cam rod 15. Therefore, the cam 11 c does not engage the cam rod 15through the cam engaging member 13, does not engage the selector valve 3through the cam engaging member 13 and the cam rod 15, and does not openthe selector valve 3. Therefore, the selector valve 3 continues to closethe inlet of the pipe 1 a.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), the button body 16 of the start button C abutsagainst the guide member 12 to stop moving, the spindle 11 reaches theend point to stop moving, thereby finishing outward movement, and themanipulation to start flushing the toilet body is finished. When themanipulation to start flushing the toilet body is finished, the camengaging member 13 is released from engaging the cam rod 15, and the camengaging member 13 returns to the first position under the biasing forceof the return spring 13 a.

When the user of the flush toilet removes his or her hand from thebutton body 16 of the start button C, the compressed coil spring 10starts to release the accumulated strain energy and elongate. Asindicated by a void arrow in FIG. 2(b), the piston head 8 b starts tomove toward the end wall 6 b of the cylinder 6, the spindle 11 startshomeward movement from the end point to the start point, and the buttonbody 16 starts to move away from the guide member 12. The O-ring 9 isexposed to a friction force from the circumferential wall 6 a of thecylinder 6 to return into the groove 8 b through the cutout formed inthe side wall of the groove 8 b ₁. Thus, the seal by the O-ring 9 isrestored. Air flows into the chamber β with its volume increasingthrough the orifice 7 and air flows out the chamber α with its volumedecreasing through the air hole 6 d. A part of the strain energyreleased from the coil spring 10 is consumed to become the heat when theair passes through the orifice 7. The increase rate of the volume of thechamber β and the velocity of the homeward movement of the spindle 11are regulated by the flow rate of the air passing through the orifice 7.The flow rate of the air passing through the orifice 7 is regulated bythe diameter of the orifice 7. The spindle 11 moves homeward at asubstantially constant velocity determined by the spring constant of thecoil spring 10 and the diameter of the orifice 7.

The elongation speed of the coil spring 10 is regulated, the timenecessary for the coil spring 10 to return from the condition shown inFIG. 2(b) to the condition shown in FIG. 2(a) is regulated, and theduration of operation of the coil spring 10 is regulated due to the factthat a part of the strain energy released from the coil spring 10 isconsumed to become heat when the air passes through the orifice 7.

When the spindle 11 moves from the end point to the start point by apredetermined distance, or when a predetermined length of time lapsesfrom the finish of the manipulation for starting the flushing, the camengaging member 13 abuts against the cam rod 15 as shown in FIG. 2(c).Though a load is applied to the cam engaging member 13 by the cam rod15, the cam engaging member 13 is only forced against the cam 11 c anddoes not swing because the cam engaging member 13 is already returned tothe first position under the biasing force of the return spring 13 a.Therefore, the cam 11 c engages the cam rod 15 through the cam engagingmember 13 and engages the selector valve 3 through the cam engagingmember 13 and the cam rod 15.

The cam 11 c forces the cam rod 15 away from the spindle 11 as indicatedby a void arrow to open the selector valve 3 against the water pressurein the pipe 1. A part of the wash water flows into the pipe 1 a.Therefore, a part of the wash water passes through the pipe 1 todischarge from the rim discharge holes 4 a, thereby flushing the upperpart of the inner surface of the bowl of the toilet body 4, while theother part of the wash water passes through the pipe 1 a to dischargefrom the jet discharge nozzle 4 b, thereby inducing a siphon phenomenonin the trap discharging passage of the toilet body 4 and flushing thesewage in the bowl to an external discharging pipe.

When the spindle 11 moves further from the position shown in FIG. 2(c)))toward the start point, or when a predetermined length of time lapsesfrom the point of time shown in FIG. 2(c), the cam 11 c is released fromengaging the cam rod 15 through the cam engaging member 13 as shown inFIG. 2(d). The selector valve 3 is released from the load by the cam rod15 to close under the upstream pressure. The cam rod 15 moves and comesclose to the spindle 11 as the selector valve 3 closes. When theselector valve 3 closes, the flow of the wash water into the pipe 1 astops, and the discharge of the wash water from the jet discharge nozzle4 b stops. The cam 11 a still engages the cam rod 14 and the switchingvalve 2 still opens. The wash water flows to the rim discharge holes 4 athrough the pipe 1 and discharges from the rim discharge holes 4 a toform water seal in the bowl.

When a predetermined length of time lapses from the point of time shownin FIG. 2(d), the flange 16 a of the button body 16 of the start buttonC abuts against the step 17 b of the guide member 17, the button body 16stops moving, and the spindle 11 returns to the start point and stopsmoving. The cam 11 a is released from engaging the cam rod 14, theswitching valve 2, released from the load by the cam rod 14 closes underthe upstream pressure, the cam rod 14 moves and comes close to thespindle 11 as the switching valve 2 closes, and the valve controller 5comes to the initial condition shown in FIG. 2(a). When the switchingvalve 2 closes, the flow of the wash water into the pipe 1 downstream ofthe switching valve 2 stops, and the flushing of the toilet body isfinished.

Flushing operation of the toilet body becomes efficient and a watersaving in the flushing operation of the toilet body is achieved as thewash water is discharged in order from the rim discharge holes 4 a andthe jet discharge nozzle 4 b.

A relation between the movement of the spindle 11 of the valve switchingdevice B and the switching operation of the switching valve 2 and arelation between the movement of the spindle 11 of the valve switchingdevice B and the switching operation of the selector valve 3 in theflush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment areshown in FIG. 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the switching operation of the selectorvalve 3 due to the outward movement of the spindle 11 is asymmetrical tothe switching operation of the selector valve 3 due to the homewardmovement of the spindle 11. In the flush toilet in accordance with thepresent preferred embodiment, the relation between the timing of the rimdischarging and the timing of the jet discharging is therefore optimizedas shown in FIG. 5, the jet discharging starts after the rim discharginghas been continued for a predetermined period and the surface of thewater seal in the bowl of the toilet body has risen to a levelsufficient to promptly generate the siphon phenomenon in the trapdischarging passage, and a water saving in the flushing operation of thetoilet body is achieved.

In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment,the mechanical timer A regulates the velocity of the homeward movementof the spindle 11 of the valve switching device B to regulate the timingof switching the selector valve 3 and the timing of closing theswitching valve 2. When the timings of switching the selector valve 2and the switching valve 3 are regulated to regulate properly the timingsof the rim discharging and the jet discharging, the wash water is saved.

In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment,the toilet body can be flushed even at the electric service interruptionbecause the mechanical timer A drives the valve switching device B toswitch the selector valve 2 and the switching valve 3.

The velocity of the air passing through the orifice 7 fluctuates and therate of heating value at the orifice 7 or the rate of energy consumptionof the mechanical timer A fluctuates as the velocity of the homewardmovement of the piston 8 fluctuates. The resistance against the movementof the piston 8 fluctuates as the rate of energy consumption of themechanical timer A fluctuates. Therefore, the velocity of the homewardmovement of the piston 8 is kept constant even if the spring constant ofthe coil spring 10 differs a little from the specified value and thedriving force applied to the piston 8 by the coil spring 10 differs alittle from the specified value. Therefore, the timing of switching theselector valve 3 and the timing of closing the switching valve 2 arekept constant.

In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment,the switching valve 2 and the selector valve 3 are disposed in seriesand the selector valve 3 is disposed downstream of the switching valve2. Pressure loss is generated when the wash water passes through theswitching valve 2 to make the upstream pressure of the selector valve 3lower than the upstream pressure of the switching valve 2. Therefore,the selector valve 3 can be less resistive to the pressure than theswitching valve 2 and can be downsized.

The valve switching device B reciprocally moving to switch valves can bedownsized. Thus, the valve controller 5 can be downsized. The mechanicaltimer A can be started by a single operation of pushing the button body16 of the start button C to the stop position.

In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment,the valve switching device B is provided with the cam engaging member 13for engaging the cam 11 c with the selector valve 3 only in the homewardmovement. Therefore, the valve switching device B can switch theselector valve 3 in the homeward movement asymmetrically in the outwardmovement, the relation between the timing of the rim discharging and thetiming of the jet discharging can be optimized, and the wash water canbe saved.

The cam 11 c reliably engages the cam rod 15 because the cam engagingmember 13 already returned to the first position under the biasing forceof the return spring 13 a. Therefore, the cam 11 c reliably engages theselector valve 3 through the cam rod 15, and the selector valve 3 isreliably opened. Thus, the toilet body can be reliably flushed.

The cam 11 c and the cam engaging member 13 connected to the spindle 11move reciprocally in one united body. When the cam engaging member 13 isindependent of the spindle 11, the cam engaging member 13 must bedistanced from the spindle 11. Thus, the valve switching device Bbecomes large.

The valve body 3 b of the selector valve 3 abuts the valve seat 3 cunder the upstream pressure to close the pipe 1 a. Therefore, the forcenecessary for closing the selector valve 3 decreases, the valvecontroller 5 is downsized, and the force necessary for manipulating thestart button C decreases. The switching valve 2 provided with the samestructure as the selector valve 3 also closes under the upstreampressure. Therefore, the switching valve 2 can be reliably closed evenif the upstream pressure is high.

The stroke of the downward movement of the button body 16 of the startbutton C is regulated by the guide member 12. Therefore, the strainenergy accumulated in the coil spring 10 is controlled accurately, theduration of the operation of the coil spring 10 is controlledaccurately, the timing of the switching of the switching valve 2 and thetiming of the switching of the selector valve 3 are controlledaccurately, and the timing of the discharging of the wash water iscontrolled accurately. Thus, the quantity of the discharging wash wateris controlled accurately.

The switching valve 2 opens only in the outward movement of the valveswitching device B. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the stroke ofthe downward movement of the button body 16 of the start button C,thereby switching the switching valve 2 only, keeping the cam 11 fromengaging the cam rod 15 through the cam engaging member 13 during thehomeward movement of the valve switching device B, and keeping theselector valve 3 from switching. Such a manner of discharging the washwater is convenient for cleaning the toilet body.

The opening operation of the switching valve 2, which requires a largeforce, is carried out by pushing down the start button C manually.Therefore, the coil spring 10 carries out the switching operation of theselector valve 3 and the closing operation of the switching valve 2only, which do not need large forces. Therefore, the coil spring 10 canbe downsized. The operation for supplying the coil spring with thestrain energy and the operation for opening the switching valve 2 iscarried out by pushing down the start button C. When the aforementionedtwo operations are carried out independently by manipulating devicesindependent of each other, the number of the members increases.

A flush toilet in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

A flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment isprovided with a valve controller 105 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 instead ofthe valve controller 5 in the flush toilet in accordance with the firstpreferred embodiment. The structure of the valve controller 105 will bedescribed in detail.

The valve controller 105 is provided with a control lever 106, a firstgear 107 and a first cam 108 which are directly connected to the controllever 105. As shown in FIG. 8, the first cam 108 is provided with a camsurface 108 a. The cam surface 108 a is provided with a radius R1 aroundthe center of rotation C1 of the cam 108 which gradually increases asthe central angle a measured anticlockwise from a baseline X1 extendingfrom the center of rotation C1 increases and becomes maximum at thepoint where the central angle α is 180 degrees. A cam rod 14 extendingalong the baseline X1 abuts the cam surface 108 a.

A second gear 109 meshes with the first gear 107. A pair of clutchprojections 110 a are connected to the second gear 109. The clutchprojections 110 a cannot rotate relatively to the second gear 109 butcan move relatively to the second gear 109 along the central axis of thesecond gear 109. The clutch projections 110 a are forced away from thesecond gear 109 by a spring not shown in Figures. The clutch projections110 a are distanced from each other by 180 degrees in thecircumferential direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, each of the clutchprojections 110 a is provided with a fore end 110 a′ projecting roundlyand smoothly and a rear end 110 a″ concaving perpendicularly. A helicalcoil spring 111 is connected directly to the second gear 109. A stopper112 engaging the helical coil spring 111 and capable of engaging thecontrol lever 106 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a second cam 113 is disposed adjacent to thefirst cam 108. As shown in FIG. 10, the second cam 113 is provided witha circular arc shaped first cam surface 113 a with a constant radius R2around the center of rotation C2. The first cam surface 113 a is cut outover a predetermined central angle to both sides of a cross pointbetween a baseline X2 extending in parallel with the baseline X1 fromthe center of rotation C2 and the cam surface 113 a to form a second camsurface 113 b. The first cam surface 113 a is also cut out over apredetermined central angle to both sides of a point distanced from theaforementioned cross point by 180 degrees in the circumferentialdirection to form another second cam surface 113 b. Connections 113 cbetween the first cam surface 113 a and the second cam surfaces 113 bconcave perpendicularly from the first cam surface 113 a to the secondcam surfaces 113 b. A cam rod 14 abuts one of the second cam surfaces113 b.

The second cam 113 is provided with a pair of semi-annular grooves 113 dextending around the center of rotation C2 at its one end face. Bottomsurfaces of the semi-annular grooves 113 d form a pair of clutchprojections 110 b. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the clutch projections110 b is provided with a fore end 110 b′ concaving perpendicularly and arear end 110 b′ extending flat. A gentle slope extending from the rearend 110 b′ to the fore end 110 b′ is formed. The clutch projections 110b are opposite the clutch projections 110 a.

A clutch 110 is formed by the clutch projections 110 a and 110 b. Theclutch projections 110 a and 110 b are made of a material with smallfrictional resistance. The clutch projections 110 a are forced to theclutch projections 110 b by a spring not shown in Figures.

The clutch projections 110 a and 110 b form a clutch 110. The clutchprojections 110 a and 110 b are made of material with small frictionalresistance. The clutch projections 110 a are forced against the clutchprojections 110 b by a spring not shown in Figures.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a third gear 114 and a third cam 115 areconnected directly to the second cam 113. As shown in FIG. 11, the thirdcam 115 is provided with a circular arc shaped first cam surface 115 awith a constant radius R3 around a center of rotation C3 extendinganticlockwise over a central angle of about 110 degrees from a positionof central angle of 90 degrees measured clockwise from a baseline X3extending from the center of rotation C3 in parallel with the baselineX1 and a straight second cam surface 115 b extending from a position ofcentral angle of 20 degrees to a position of central angle of 90 degreesmeasured anticlockwise from the baseline X3.

Radius R4 of the second cam surface 115 b around the center of rotationC3 gradually increases as the central angle increases. Another first camsurface 116 a and another second cam surface 115 b are formed byrotating the first cam surfaces 115 a and the second cam surface 115 bby 180 degrees around the center of rotation C3. Connection between thesecond cam surface 115 b and the first cam surface 115 a concavesperpendicularly from the second cam surface 115 b to the first camsurface 115 a. A cam rod 15 extending along the baseline X3 abuts thefirst cam surface 115 a of the third cam 115. The cam rod 15 is providedwith a step 15 a at its end abutting the third cam 115.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a fourth gear 116 meshes with the third gear114.

A mechanical timer 117 is disposed to operatively engage the third gear114. The structure of the mechanical timer 117 will be described indetail.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the mechanical timer 117 is provided with ashaft 118 directly connected to the fourth gear 116, an acceleratingdevice 119 provided with five gears 119 a, 119 b, 119 c 119 d and 119 emeshing with each other and operatively engaging the shaft 118, and agenerating device 120 operatively engaging the accelerating device 119through a gear 120 a meshing with the gear 119 e. The generating device120 is provided with a rotor 120 b directly connected to the gear 120 a,a permanent magnet 120 c fitting on the rotor 120 b to rotate integrallywith the rotor 120 b, yokes 120 d and 120 e enclosing the permanentmagnet 120 c, and coils 120 f and 120 g wound around the yokes 120 d and120 e. Ends of the coils 120 f and 120 g are connected to currentconsumers R1 and R2 through terminals not shown in Figures.

The accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 are receivedin a case 121. The shaft 118 is supported by a bearing 122 connected tothe case 121 at its portion passing through the case 121. The case 121is provided with a plurality of small holes 121 a at its portionopposite the portion to which the bearing 122 is connected.

The flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodiment hasthe same structure as the flush toilet in accordance with the firstpreferred embodiment except that it has the valve controller 105 insteadof the valve controller 5.

Operation of the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment will be described.

Before the start of flushing the toilet body, the members of the valvecontroller 105 are at their start points and their relative positionsare as shown in FIGS. 6 to 11. The switching valve 2 and the selectorvalve 3 are closed.

A user pushes the control lever 106 to rotate it clockwise in FIG. 6,thereby starting the flushing of the toilet body. The first cam 108rotates clockwise in FIGS. 6 and 8. As seen from FIG. 8, the cam surface108 a pushes up the cam rod 14 gradually to open the switching valve 2engaging the cam rod 14 gradually. Thus, rim discharging of the washwater starts. The second gear 109 meshing with the first gear 107rotates anticlockwise in FIG. 6 to twist the helical coil spring 111,thereby supplying it with strain energy. The clutch projection 110 arotates anticlockwise in FIG. 6 to move to the left in FIG. 9. The roundfore end 110 a′ of the clutch projection 110 a moves toward the fore end110 b′ of the clutch projection 110 b, while abutting the gentle slopeof the clutch projection 110 b. The clutch projection 110 b does notrotate anticlockwise and the second cam 113 does not rotateanticlockwise because the frictional force working in the abutting pointbetween the clutch projection 110 a and the clutch projection 110 b isvery small. Therefore, the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 are heldin the start points to be kept in the positions shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10and 11.

When the control lever 106 rotates clockwise by 180 degrees, it abutsthe stopper 112 to stop rotating. Thus, the outward movement of thefirst cam 108 is finished and the manipulation for starting the flushingof the toilet body is finished. When the manipulation for starting theflushing of the toilet body is finished, the clutch projection 110 a hasalready finished going up the slope of the clutch projection 110 b andopposes the next clutch projection 110 b. Therefore, the clutchprojections 110 a and 110 b are in the same relative position as shownin FIG. 9. The perpendicularly concaving rear end 110 a ″ of the clutchprojection 110 a opposes the perpendicularly concaving fore end 110 b′of the clutch projection 110 b. The cam rod 14 is pushed up by the firstcam 108 to the maximum level. The cam rod 14 pushed up by the first cam108 leaves the second cam surface 113 b of the second cam 113 to leavethe rectangular cutout formed in the first cam surface 113 a outwardlyin the radial direction.

When the user detaches his or her hand from the control lever 106, thehelical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strain energy to rotatethe second gear 109 and the clutch projection 110 a clockwise in FIG. 6.The first gear 107 rotates anticlockwise and the first cam 108 rotatesanticlockwise to the position shown in FIG. 8. The first cam 108 startsthe homeward movement. The cam rod 14 pushed up by the first cam 108gradually comes down. The clutch projection 110 a moves to the right inFIG. 9. The rear end 110 a ″ of the clutch projection 110 a abuts thefore end 110 b″ of the clutch projection 110 b to drive the clutchprojection 110 b to the right. Thus, the second cam 113 rotatesclockwise in FIG. 6. The second cam 113 can rotate without difficultybecause the cam rod 14 leaves the rectangular cutout formed in the camsurface 113 a of the second cam 113 outwardly in the radial direction.As seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the first cam 108 continues theanticlockwise rotation, the second cam 113 continues the clockwiserotation, and the cam rod 14 pushed up by the first cam 108 continues tocome down gradually to leave the cam surface 108 a of the first cam 108,thereby abutting the first cam surface 113 a of the second cam 113.

Thus, the cam rod 14 is kept at a constant level, the switching valve 2is kept open, and the rim discharging of the wash water is continued.The third cam 115 rotates clockwise in FIGS. 6 and 11 as the second cam113 rotates clockwise. As seen from FIG. 11, the third cam 115 continuesto rotate clockwise and the second cam surface 115 b abuts the cam rod15 instead of the first cam surface 115 a to push up the cam rod 15gradually, thereby opening the selector valve 3 engaging the cam rod 15gradually. Thus, the jet discharging of the wash water starts. The jetdischarging of the wash water promptly causes a siphon phenomenon in thetrap discharging passage of the toilet body 4 to promptly dischargesewage and soil from the toilet body 4.

The helical coil spring 111 continues to release the strain energy, thethird cam 115 continues to rotate clockwise, the highest point of thesecond cam surface 115 b passes by the cam rod 15, and the step 15 a ofthe cam rod 15 opposes the perpendicular connection 115 c between thesecond cam surface 115 b and the first cam surface 115 a. Thus, the step15 a comes to be able to move along the connection 115 c. The cam rod 16promptly falls down to the first cam surface 115 a, the cam rod 15pushed up by the cam 115 promptly comes down, and the selector valve 3engaging the cam rod 15 promptly closes under the upstream waterpressure. The jet discharging of the wash water stops as the selectorvalve 3 closes. The cam rod 14 continues to abut the first cam surface113 a of the second cam 113 to keep the switching valve 2 opening.Therefore, the rim discharging of the wash water continues to form waterseal in the toilet body 4.

The helical coil spring 111 continues to release the strain energy, thesecond cam 113 rotates clockwise by 180 degrees, and the rectangularcutout formed in the first cam surface 113 a opposes the cam rod 14. Thecam rod 14 is forced by a spring not shown in Figures to promptly falldown to the second cam surface 113 b, the cam rod 14 pushed up by thecam 113 promptly comes down, and switching valve 2 engaging the cam rod14 promptly closes under the upstream water pressure. Thus, the homewardmovement of the first cam 108 finishes. The rim discharging of the washwater stops as the switching valve 2 closes, and the flushing of thetoilet body finishes. When the flushing of the toilet body finishes, themembers of the valve controller 105 return to the start points andreturn to the relative position shown in FIGS. 6 to 11.

The first cam 108 for opening the switching valve 2 in its outwardmovement, the second cam 113 for closing the switching valve 2 in thehomeward movement of the first cam 108 and the third cam 115 forswitching the selector valve 3 in the homeward movement of the first cam108 have different shapes. Therefore, the manner of discharging the washwater is optimized and the flushing of the toilet body becomesefficient.

The first cam 108 gradually opens the switching valve 2 exposed to highwater pressure to reduce the force necessary for opening the switchingvalve 2.

The second cam 113 promptly closes the switching valve 2 to reduce thetime necessary for flushing the toilet body.

The third cam 115 gradually opens the selector valve 3 to reduce theforce necessary for opening the selector valve 3, thereby downsizing thehelical coil spring 111. The third cam 116 promptly closes the selectorvalve 3 to reduce the time necessary for flushing the toilet body.

The switching valve 2 is opened by manually rotating the control lever106 because a large force is necessary to open the switching valve 2.

Therefore, the helical coil spring 111 only need to switch the selectorvalve 3 and close the switching valve 2. No large force is necessary toswitch the selector valve 3 and close the switching valve 2. Thus, thehelical coil spring 111 is downsized. The operation for supplying thehelical coil spring 111 with the strain energy and the operation foropening the switching valve 2 are carried out by rotating the controllever 106. Thus, number of the elements becomes smaller than that in thecase where the aforementioned two operations are carried out withindependent devices.

The stopper 112 regulates the angle of rotation of the control lever 106to accurately control the amount of the strain energy accumulated in thehelical coil spring 111, thereby accurately controlling the duration ofthe operation of the helical coil spring 111. Thus, the timings ofswitching the switching valve 2 and the selector valve 3 are controlledaccurately, the timing of discharging the wash water is controlledaccurately, and the quantity of the discharging wash water is controlledaccurately.

The switching of the selector valve 3 by the third cam 115 in theoutward movement of the first cam 108 and the switching of the selectorvalve 3 by the third cam 115 in the homeward movement of the first cam108 are asymmetrical to each other. Thus, the relation between thetiming of the rim discharging of the wash water and the timing of thejet discharging of the wash water is optimized, the jet discharging ofthe wash water is started after the rim discharging of the wash waterhas continued for a predetermined period and the surface of the waterseal in the bowl of the toilet body has risen to a sufficient level, thesiphon phenomenon is promptly generated in the trap discharging passage,and the wash water necessary for flushing the toilet body is saved.

When the helical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strain energyto rotate the second cam 113, the third gear 114 directly connected tothe second cam 113 rotates, and the fourth gear 116 meshing with thethird gear 114 rotates. The shaft 118 of the mechanical timer 117directly connected to the fourth gear 116 rotates. The rotation of theshaft 118 is accelerated by the accelerating device 119 operativelyengaging the shaft 118 to be transmitted to the rotor 120 b of thegenerating device 120, thereby rotating the rotor 120 b and thepermanent magnet 120 c at a large velocity to generate electromotiveforces in the coils 120 f and 120 g. The electric power generated by thegenerating device 120 is consumed by the current consumers R1 and R2connected to the generating device 120. When the mechanical timer 117consumes a part of the strain energy released from the helical coilspring 111 as electric power, the electric currents flowing in the coils120 f and 120 g generate magnetic fields. The magnetic fields formresistance against the rotation of the permanent magnet 120 c and therotations of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115. Thus, themechanical timer 117 regulates the rotation velocities of the second cam113 and the third cam 115, regulates the times necessary for the secondcam 113 and the third cam 115 to rotate by 180 degrees, and regulatesthe duration of driving the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 by thehelical coil spring 111 or the duration of the operation of the helicalcoil spring 111.

The mechanical timer 117 makes it possible to flush the toilet body evenat an electric service interruption.

The electromotive voltage of the generating device 120 fluctuates andthe electric power consumption of the mechanical timer 117 fluctuates asthe rotation velocity of the shaft 118 fluctuates. The electric currentsflowing in the coils 120 f and 120 g fluctuate, the resistance againstthe rotations of the permanent magnet 120 c and the shaft 118 fluctuatesas the electric power consumption of the mechanical timer 117fluctuates. Therefore, the rotation velocity of the shaft 118 is keptconstant, the rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the thirdcam 115 are kept constant, and the timings of switching the selectorvalve 3 and closing the switching valve 2 are kept constant even if thespring constant of the helical coil spring 111 differs a little from thespecified value and the driving force applied to the shaft 118 from thehelical coil spring 111 differs a little from the specified value.

It is possible to adjust the values of the current consumers R1 and R2connected to the generating device 120 so as to adjust the electricpower consumption of the mechanical timer 117, adjust the rotationvelocities of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115, adjust theduration of operation of the helical coil spring 111, adjust theduration of discharging the wash water, and adjust the quantity of thewash water necessary for flushing the toilet body. The quantity of thewash water necessary for flushing the toilet body can therefore beadjusted easily because the values of the current consumers R1 and R2can be adjusted easily.

The bearing 122 disposed midway of the shaft 118 prevents liquid such asdew drops, etc. from reaching the accelerating device 119 and thegenerating device 120 through the shaft 118 and adhering to them. Thus,the accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 are preventedfrom malfunctioning and other problems.

The bearing 122 is connected to and firmly supported by the case 121 forreceiving the accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120.Therefore, the bearing 122 can display an excellent sealing function.

The accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 are receivedin the case 121. Therefore, they are prevented from damage by externalforces. Liquid such as dew drops, etc. cannot adhere to the acceleratingdevice 119 and the generating device 120 received in the case 121. Thus,the accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 are preventedfrom malfunctioning and other problems.

Heat generated by the accelerating device 119 and the generating device120 is discharged from the case 121 through the plurality of smallopenings 121 a formed in the case 120. Therefore, the acceleratingdevice 119 and the generating device 120 are prevented frommalfunctioning and other problems due to overheating.

The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned preferredembodiments.

In the first embodiment, a pilot operated switching valve and a pilotoperated selector valve may be provided instead of the switching valve 2and the selector valve 3. When a pilot operated switching valve and apilot operated selector valve are used, forces necessary for switchingthe switching valve and the selector valve decrease, the valvecontroller is downsized, and the force necessary for manipulating thestart button C decreases. The pilot operated switching valve and thepilot operated selector valve will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 14, a pilot operated valve device 21 is provided withan inlet port 22 for wash water, an outlet port 23 for wash water forrim discharge, an outlet port 24 for the wash water for jet discharge, aswitching valve device 25 and a selector valve device 26. The inlet port22 is connected to a water service pipe for domestic use. The outletport 23 is connected to the rim discharge holes 4 a through the pipe 1.The outlet port 24 is connected to the jet discharge nozzle 4 b throughthe pipe 1 a.

The switching valve device 25 is provided with a diaphragm valve 254structured by a diaphragm 251, a valve seat 252 and a biasing spring253, and a wash water passage 255 switched by the diaphragm valve 254.The wash water passage 255 upstream of the diaphragm valve 254communicates with the inlet port 22 through a flow regulating valve 27.The wash water passage 255 downstream of the diaphragm valve 264communicates with a chamber 28.

The switching valve device 26 is provided with a pressure chamber 256.The diaphragm 251 forms a part of the enclosure of the pressure chamber256.

The diaphragm 251 is provided with a pilot inlet passage 257communicating with the pressure chamber 256. A pilot outlet passage 258extends from the pressure chamber 256. A pilot valve 259 is provided forswitching the pilot outlet passage 258. The pilot valve 259 is providedwith a valve body and a coil spring for forcing the valve body to closethe pilot outlet passage 258.

The valve body and the coil spring are not shown in Figures. The cam rod14 is fixed to the valve body. The cam rod 14 is driven by the valvecontroller 5 shown in FIG. 2.

The selector valve device 26 is provided with a diaphragm valve 264structured by a diaphragm 261, a valve seat 262 and a biasing spring263, and a wash water passage 265 switched by the diaphragm valve 264.The wash water passage 266 upstream of the diaphragm valve 264communicates with a chamber 28. The wash water passage 265 downstream ofthe diaphragm valve 264 communicates with the outlet port 24.

The selector valve device 26 is provided with a pressure chamber 266.The diaphragm 261 forms a part of the enclosure of the pressure chamber266.

The diaphragm 261 is provided with a pilot inlet passage 267communicating with the pressure chamber 266. A pilot outlet passage 268extends from the pressure chamber 266. A pilot valve 269 is provided forswitching the pilot outlet passage 268. The pilot valve 269 is providedwith a valve body and a coil spring for forcing the valve body to closethe pilot outlet passage 268.

The valve body and the coil spring are not shown in Figures. The cam rod15 is fixed to the valve body. The cam rod 15 is driven by the valvecontroller 5 shown in FIG. 2.

A diaphragm valve 29 is disposed between the chamber 28 and the outletport 23. The diaphragm valve 29 is structured by a diaphragm 291, avalve seat 292 and a biasing spring 293. A pressure chamber 294 isprovided. The diaphragm 291 forms a part of the enclosure of thepressure chamber 294.

The pressure chamber 294 communicates with a passage between the washwater passage 265 downstream of the diaphragm valve 264 and the outletport 24 through a communicating hole 295.

Operation of the pilot operated valve device 21 will be described.

When the valve controller 5 shown in FIG. 2 is in the initial condition,the valve body of the pilot valve 259 is forced by the coil spring inthe direction for closing the pilot outlet passage 258 and the pilotvalve 259 closes the pilot outlet passage 258. Thus, the wash water isprevented from entering into the pressure chamber 256. The upstreampressure of the diaphragm valve 254 is substantially the same as that inthe pressure chamber 256 due to the pilot inlet passage 257. The forceapplied to the diaphragm 261 by the pressure in the pressure chamber 256is larger than that by the pressure in the wash water passage 255because the downstream pressure of the diaphragm valve 254 is lower thanthe upstream pressure of the diaphragm valve 254. The diaphragm 251 isforced by the spring 253.

Therefore, the diaphragm 251 is forced against the valve seat 252, thediaphragm valve 254 or the switching valve device 25 closes the washwater passage 255, and the wash water is not discharged from the rimdischarge holes 4 a or the jet discharge nozzle 4 b of the toilet body4.

When the valve controller 5 shown in FIG. 2 is in the initial condition,the valve body of the pilot valve 269 is forced by the coil spring inthe direction for closing the pilot outlet passage 268 and the pilotvalve 269 closes the pilot outlet passage 268. Thus, the wash water isprevented from entering into the pressure chamber 266. The diaphragmvalve 264 or the selector valve device 26 closes the wash water passage265 in the same way as the switching valve device 25.

When the valve controller 5 shown in FIG. 2 is in the initial condition,the diaphragm 291 abuts the valve seat 292 under the biasing force ofthe spring 293. Thus, the diaphragm valve 29 intercepts thecommunication between the chamber 28 and the outlet port 23.

A user manipulates the start button C of the valve controller 5 to startflushing the toilet body. In the outward movement of the valve switchingdevice B, the cam 11 a of the valve switching device B engages the camrod 14 to drive it in the direction for opening the valve, therebydriving the valve body of the pilot valve 259 of the switching valvedevice 25 in the direction for opening the pilot outlet passage 258against the biasing force of the coil spring. Thus, the pilot valve 259opens the pilot outlet passage 258 as shown in FIG. 15. When the pilotoutlet passage 258 opens, the wash water flows into the pressure chamber256 through the pilot inlet passage 257 and flows out the pressurechamber 256 through the pilot outlet passage 258. The pressure in thepressure chamber 256 becomes lower than the upstream pressure of thediaphragm valve 254 due to the pressure loss generated when the washwater passes through the pilot inlet passage 257. The forces acting onthe diaphragm 251 are thrown out of balance and the diaphragm 251 leavesthe valve seat 252 to move toward the pressure chamber 256. Thus, thediaphragm valve 254 or the switching valve device 25 opens the washwater passage 255.

The wash water passes through the inlet port 22. The flow rate of thewash water is adjusted to a predetermined value Q by the flow regulatingvalve 27. The wash water flows into the chamber 28 through the washwater passage 255. The pressure in the chamber 28 increases, the forcesacting on the diaphragm 291 are thrown out of balance, and the diaphragm291 leaves the valve seat 292 to move toward the pressure chamber 294.Thus, the diaphragm valve 29 communicates the chamber 28 with the outletport 23.

When the chamber 28 communicates with the outlet port 23, the wash waterdischarges from the outlet port 23. The wash water with the flow rate ofQ discharging from the outlet port 23 passes through the pipe 1 todischarge from the rim discharge holes 4 a of the toilet body 4. Thus,an initial rim flushing is carried out as shown in FIG. 16.

The diaphragm valve 264 of the selector valve device 26 closes the washwater passage 265 because the pilot valve 269 closes the pilot outletpassage 268. Thus, the chamber 28 does not communicate with the outletport 24 and the wash water does not discharge from the jet dischargenozzle 4 b.

In the homeward movement of the valve switching device B, the cam 11 cof the valve switching device B engages the cam rod 15 through the camengaging member 13 to drive the cam rod 15 in the direction for openingthe valve, thereby driving the valve body of the pilot valve 269 of theselector valve device 26 in the direction for opening the pilot outletpassage 268 against the biasing force of the coil spring. Thus, thepilot valve 269 opens the pilot outlet passage 268 as shown in FIG. 15.When the pilot outlet passage 268 opens, the wash water flows into thepressure chamber 266 through the pilot inlet passage 267 and flows outthe pressure chamber 266 through the pilot outlet passage 268. Thepressure in the pressure chamber 266 becomes lower than the upstreampressure of the diaphragm valve 264 due to the pressure loss generatedwhen the wash water passes through the pilot inlet passage 267. Theforces acting on the diaphragm 261 are thrown out of balance and thediaphragm 261 leaves the valve seat 262 to move toward the pressurechamber 266. Thus, the diaphragm valve 264 or the selector valve device26 opens the wash water passage 265.

The wash water flows into the wash water passage 265 from the chamber 28and discharges from the outlet port 24. The wash water with the flowrate of Q discharging from the outlet port 24 passes through the pipe 1a to discharge from the jet discharge nozzle 4 b of the toilet body 4.Thus, a jet flushing is carried out as shown in FIG. 16. A siphonphenomenon is generated in the trap discharging passage of the toiletbody 4 and the sewage is discharged from the toilet body 4.

A part of the wash water passing through the communication passagebetween the wash water passage 265 and the outlet port 24 enters intothe pressure chamber 294. Thus, the pressure in the pressure chamber 294increases, the forces acting on the diaphragm 291 are thrown out ofbalance, and the diaphragm 291 is forced against the valve seat 292.Thus, the diaphragm valve 29 intercepts the communication between thechamber 28 and the outlet port 23. Therefore, the wash water does notdischarge from the rim discharge holes 4 a and the rim flushing is notcarried out.

In the homeward movement of the valve switching device B, the engagementbetween the cam 11 c of the valve switching device B and the cam rod 15through the cam engaging member 13 is released and the valve body of thepilot valve 269 moves in the direction for closing the pilot outletpassage 268 under the biasing force of the coil spring. Thus, the pilotvalve 269 closes the pilot outlet passage 268. The diaphragm valve 264or the selector valve device 26 closes the wash water passage 265. Thewash water stops discharging from the outlet port 24 and the jetdischarge nozzle 4 b, and the jet flushing is finished. The wash waterstops flowing in the communicating passage between the wash waterpassage 265 and the outlet port 24, the wash water flows out of thepressure chamber 294 to decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber294, forces acting on the diaphragm 291 are thrown out of balance, thediaphragm 291 leaves the valve seat 292 to move toward the pressurechamber 294, and the diaphragm valve 29 communicates the chamber 28 withthe outlet port 23. The wash water discharges from the outlet port 23.The wash water with the flow rate of Q discharging from the outlet port23 carries out a rim flushing for forming water seal as shown in FIG.16. Thus, water seal is formed in the bowl of the toilet body 4.

In the homeward movement of the valve switching device B, the engagementbetween the cam 11 a of the valve switching device B and the cam rod 14is released, the valve body of the pilot valve 259 moves in thedirection for closing the valve under the biasing force of the coilspring, and the pilot valve 259 closes the pilot outlet passage 258. Thediaphragm valve 254 or the switching valve device 25 closes the washwater passage 256. Thus, the wash water stops discharging from the pilotoperated valve device 21, the rim flushing for forming water seal isfinished as shown in FIG. 16, and the flushing of the toilet body isfinished.

In the pilot operated valve device 21, the pilot valves 259 and 269 areswitched so that the switching valve device 25 switches the wash waterpassage and the selector valve device 26 selects one from a plurality ofwash water passages. The pilot outlet passages 258 and 268 operate evenif their diameters are small. Therefore, small valves needing only smallforces for driving them can be used as the pilot valves 259 and 269.Therefore, the forces applied to the cam rods 14 and 15 can be reducedand the valve controller 5 can be downsized. The force necessary formanipulating the start button C also can be reduced.

The flow regulating valve 27 prevents fluctuation of the flow rate ofthe discharging wash water due to fluctuation of the pressure of thewash water supplied from the domestic water supply pie. Therefore, astable flushing of the toilet body can be achieved.

A flow control valve may be used instead of the flow regulating valve27. The flow rate of the discharging wash water can be controlleddepending on the toilet body specifications and the quantity of the washwater used for flushing the toilet body can be optimized.

The pilot operated valve device 21 may be driven with the valvecontroller 105.

It is possible, as shown in FIG. 17(a), to provide the button body 16 ofthe start button C with a projection 16 b, engage the button body 16with the guide member 17 to rotate around a longitudinal axis of thebutton body 16, and provide the spindle 11 with a step 11 d at its oneend. When the valve controller 5 is in the initial condition, the buttonbody 16 of the start button C abuts the said one end of the spindle 11at the projection 16 b within a predetermined rotational region of thebutton body 16, but outside the predetermined rotational region, thebutton body 16 is distanced from the said one end of the spindle 11.Thus, the stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11 in the casewhere the button body 16 is rotated to a predetermined rotational pointand pushed in the guide member 17 becomes different from the stroke ofthe outward movement of the spindle 11 in the case where the button body16 is pushed in the guide member 17 without being rotated to thepredetermined rotational point. Thus, the quantity of the dischargingwash water in the case where the button body 16 is rotated to apredetermined rotational point and pushed in the guide member 17 becomesdifferent from the quantity of the discharging wash water in the casewhere the button body 16 is pushed in the guide member 17 without beingrotated to the predetermined rotational point. Thus, the quantity of thedischarging wash water in flushing the toilet body after defecation canbe made different from the quantity of the discharging wash water influshing the toilet body after urination with a simple device, and washwater used for flushing the toilet body can be saved.

It is possible, as shown in FIG. 17(b), to divide the button body 16 ofthe start button C into half portions 16′ and 16″, and provide the halfportion 16′ with a projection 16 b′. In this case, the stroke of themovement of the half portion 16′ when the half portion 16′ is pushed inthe guide member 17 becomes different from the stroke of the movement ofthe half portion 16″ when the half portion 16″ is pushed in the guidemember 17, the stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11 when thehalf portion 16′ is pushed in the guide member 17 becomes different fromthe stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11 when the halfportion 16″ is pushed in 10 the guide member 17. Thus, the quantity ofthe discharging wash water when the half portion 16′ is pushed in theguide member 17 becomes different from the quantity of the dischargingwash water when the half portion 16″ is pushed in the guide member 17.Thus, the quantity of the discharging wash water in flushing the toiletbody after defecation can be made different from the quantity of thedischarging wash water in flushing the toilet body after urination witha simple device and, wash water used for flushing the toilet body can besaved. The quantity of the discharging wash water in flushing the toiletbody after defecation can be made different from the quantity of thedischarging wash water in flushing the toilet body after urination onlyby manipulating the desirable half portion 16′ or 16″. Thus, the flushtoilet becomes more convenient.

The cam 11 a of the valve switching device B is desirably provided witha shape that makes the component of the force applied to the cam rod 14by the cam 11 a in the direction for driving the switching valve 2larger than that in the direction at right angles to said direction.More concretely, the slope 11 a ₁ is desirably made gentle. When the cam11 a is provided with such a shape, the force necessary for switchingthe switching valve 2 decreases and the valve controller 5 is downsized.

In the valve controller 5, it is possible to regulate the flow rate ofthe air discharging from the chamber a instead of regulating the flowrate of the air entering into the chamber B, thereby regulating thevolume increasing rate of the chamber B and regulating the movingvelocity of the spindle 11 in its homeward movement.

In the valve controller 105, it is possible to use variable resistorsfor the current consumers R1 and R2 and to manipulate the control leversof the variable resistors so as to adjust the value of the currentconsumers R1 and R2, adjust the duration of the operation of the helicalcoil spring 111, and adjust the quantity of the wash water for flushingthe toilet body. The duration of the operation of the helical coilspring 111 can be adjusted and the quantity of the discharging washwater can be adjusted even while the operation of the valve controller106 proceeds. It is possible to dispose a plurality of current consumerswith different values for each of the current consumers R1 and R2, andselect a desirable one for each of the current consumers R1 and R2 witha suitable selector switch, thereby adjusting the duration of theoperation of the helical coil spring 111 and adjusting the quantity ofthe wash water for flushing the toilet body. Thus, the quantity of thedischarging wash water in flushing the toilet body after defecation caneasily be made different from the quantity of the discharging wash waterin flushing the toilet body after urination, and wash water used forflushing the toilet body can be saved.

It is possible to constitute the valve controller 105 such that therotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 beforethe siphon phenomenon appears can be decreased to increase the quantityof the discharging wash water when the toilet body is flushed afterdefecation and the rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and thethird cam 115 before the siphon phenomenon appears can be increased todecrease the quantity of the discharging wash water when the toilet bodyis flushed after urination. As shown in FIG. 18, the control lever 106is constituted such that it can be moved manually between the firstposition indicated by solid lines and the second position indicated byphantom lines due to serrated connection, etc. A micro switch 123 isdisposed to abut the control lever 106 in the second position, therebybeing turned ON. A fourth cam 124 is directly connected to the third cam115. A micro switch 125 is disposed close to the fourth cam 124.

The fourth cam 124 is provided with a cam surface 124 a for abutting themicro switch 125, thereby turning the micro switch 125 ON during theperiod from a point of time just after the third cam 115 starts torotate clockwise in FIG. 18 to a point of time when the cam rod 15 ispushed up to start the jet discharging of the wash water and generatethe siphon phenomenon. As shown in FIG. 19, a current consumer R3 isdisposed in parallel with the current consumer R1. The current consumerR3 is connected to the micro switches 123 and 125 in series.

When a user flushes the toilet body after defecating, he or she movesthe control lever 106 to the second position to abut it against themicro switch 123, thereby turning the micro switch 123 ON. Thereafter,the user turns the control lever 106 to abut it against the stopper 112.The user then removes his or her hand from the control lever 106. Thehelical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strain energy to rotatethe second cam 113, the third cam 115 and the fourth cam 124 clockwise.The control lever 106 rotates anticlockwise. The abutment between thecontrol lever 106 and the micro switch 123 is maintained. When thefourth cam 124 rotates clockwise, the cam surface 124 a of the fourthcam 124 abuts the micro switch 125 immediately to turn it ON. Thus, thecurrent consumer R3 is connected to the current consumer R1 in parallel.The value of the current consumer connected to the coil 120 f of thegenerating device 120 decreases as the current consumer R3 is connectedto the current consumer R1 in parallel and the electric powerconsumption of the mechanical timer 117 increases. The electric currentflowing in the coil 120 f increases, the resistance against the rotationof the permanent magnet 120 c increases, the rotation velocity of theshaft 118 decreases, and the rotation velocities of the second cam 113and the third cam 115 decrease. The decrease of the rotation velocitiesof the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 is maintained until theabutment between the cam surface 124 a of the fourth cam 124 and themicro switch 125 is released.

Thus, the duration of discharging the wash water before the siphonphenomenon appears becomes long and quantity of discharging wash waterbecomes enough to flush solid sewage. The fourth cam 124 furtherrotates, the abutment between the cam surface 124 a of the fourth cam124 and the micro switch 125 is released, the micro switch 125 is turnedOFF, and the current consumers R1 and R3 connected to each other inparallel are released from each other. The value of the current consumerconnected to the coil 120 f increases and the electric power consumptionof the mechanical timer 117 decreases. The electric current flowing inthe coil 120 f decreases, the resistance against the rotation of thepermanent magnet 120 c decreases, rotation velocity of the shaft 118increases, and rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the thirdcam 115 increase. Thus, the jet discharging of the wash water after theappearance of the siphon phenomenon and the rim discharging of the washwater for forming the water seal are carried out in a short time.

When a user flushes the toilet body after urination, he or she moves thecontrol lever 106 to the first position, releases the abutment betweenthe control lever 106 and the micro switch 123, and rotates the controllever 106 to abut it against the stopper 112. The toilet body isflushed, while the current consumer R1 is connected to the coil 120 f.Thus, the duration of discharging wash water before the appearance ofthe siphon phenomenon becomes shorter than that in the flushing of thetoilet body after defecation and the quantity of the discharging washwater before the appearance of the siphon phenomenon becomes less thanthat in the flushing of the toilet body after defecation. A smallquantity of wash water can flush sewage from the toilet body because nosolid sewage remains in the toilet body 4.

In accordance with the aforementioned structure, a user can change thequantity of the discharging wash water easily by changing the way ofmanipulating the control lever 106. The manipulation for changing thequantity of the discharging wash water is simple because no manipulationof the control lever of the variable resistor and no manipulation of theselector switch for selecting a desirable current consumer is needed inaddition to the manipulation of the control lever 106.

In the pilot operated valve device 21, the pilot outlet passages 258 and268 may be made of long pipes. In this case, the pilot valves 259 and269 can be distanced from the diaphragm valves 254 and 264 and thefreedom of arranging the pilot operated valve device 21 increases.Therefore, the pilot operated valve device 21 can be set in a devicereceiving space of the toilet body 4 easily as shown in FIG. 20, or, asshown in FIG. 21, it becomes possible to receive the diaphragm valves254 and 264 in the device receiving space of the toilet body 4 anddispose the pilot valves 259 and 269 and the valve controller 5 in acounter 126 for washing the hands to enhance the maneuverability of thevalve controller 5. The wash water discharged from the pilot valves 259and 269 can be led to a wash basin 127 and used as water for washing thehands.

The shapes of the cams of the valve controllers 5 and 105 for switchingvalves can be changed variously. Thus, the wash water can be dischargedin various modes.

The valve controller 5 or 105 is, except for the start button C or thecontrol lever 106, desirably installed in a container such as a devicereceiving space formed in the toilet body 4, a device receiving spaceformed in the counter 126 for washing the hands, or the like. Thisdecreases the likelihood of tampering that might change the timing ofthe wash water discharge and/or damage the aforementioned devices.

In the valve controller 5, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 2(a),an auxiliary control lever 16′ may be manipulated before starting themanipulation of the start button C to drive the cam rod 14 in thedirection indicated by a void arrow, thereby opening the switching valve2. This decreases the force necessary for manipulating the start buttonC. When a user removes his or her hand from the auxiliary lever 16′after finishing the manipulation of the start button C, the cam rod 14returns automatically to a position where it abuts the spindle 11.Therefore, no trouble is caused in the operation of the valve controldevice 5 after finishing the manipulation of the start button C. In thevalve controller 105, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 6, anauxiliary control lever 106′ may be manipulated before starting themanipulation of the control lever 106 to drive the cam rod 14, therebyopening the switching valve 2. This decreases the force necessary formanipulating the control lever 106. When a user removes his or her handfrom the auxiliary lever 106′ after finishing the manipulation of thecontrol lever 106, the cam rod 14 returns automatically to a positionwhere it abuts the first cam 108. Therefore, no trouble is caused in theoperation of the valve controller 105 after finishing the manipulationof the control lever 106.

In the valve controller 5, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 2(a),the button body 16 may be provided with a return spring 16″. In thiscase, when a user removes his or her hand from the button body 16 afterhe or she finished pushing down the button body 16, the button body 16immediately returns to the start point. In the valve controller 105, thecontrol lever 106 may be provided with a one-way clutch and a returnspring. In this case, when a user removes his or her hand from thecontrol lever 106 after he or she rotated the control lever 106clockwise to abut it against the stopper 112, the control lever 106immediately returns to the start point. This makes the user feel easybecause the button body 16 or the control lever 106 returns to the startpoint immediately after completion of the manipulation.

In the valve controller 105, it is possible to remove the first cam 108and adjust the cam surface of the second cam 113 to let the second cam113 and the third cam 115 switch the switching valve 2 and the selectorvalve 3 in their clockwise rotations corresponding to the homewardmovement of the first cam 108. Thus, the switching valve 2 and theselector valve 3 are switched only by the helical coil spring 111, whoseoperating duration is accurately controlled by the mechanical timer 117.Therefore, the quantity of the discharging wash water is controlledaccurately.

In the valve controller 105, a power spring may be disposed instead ofthe helical coil spring 111.

In the valve controller 5, the cam engaging member 13 may engage the cam11 c with the cam rod 15 in the outward movement of the spindle 11 andafter the cam 11 a engaged the cam rod 14.

Another example of the device for adjusting the value of the currentconsumer of the mechanical timer 117 provided for the valve controller105 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 22, an output terminal of the generating device 120 isconnected to an input terminal 400 to apply the electromotive force ofthe generating device 120 to the input terminal. A device 410 foradjusting the setting value of current consumer is provided in parallelwith a current consumer 401 made of a pre-set variable resistor. Thedevice 410 is provided with a voltage dividing circuit made of resistors403, 407 and 408. The voltage dividing circuit is connected to an inputterminal (G) of a transistor 409. The transistor 409 is a N-channelMOSFET with a depression+enhancement type characteristic adapted tocontrol a drain (D) current depending on the value of the gate (G)voltage. It can be considered that the gate voltage is univocallydetermined by the ratio of the resistances of the resistors 403, 407 and408 because the input impedance of the gate is very large and thecurrent flowing into the gate is negligibly small. It is thereforepossible to control the gate voltage so as to control the currentflowing in the transistor 409 and the ON resistance between the drain(D) and source (S).

The ON resistance of the transistor 409 fluctuates or the transistor 409is switched depending on the value of the input voltage of thetransistor 409.

Thus, the setting value of current consumer of the device 410 and thevalue of the current flowing in the device 410 are controlled throughthe resistor 406 and the setting value of current consumer for thegenerating device 120 is controlled.

The resistor 407 is an NTC type thermistor wherein resistance decreasesas the temperature rises. Therefore, the input voltage or the gate (G)voltage of the transistor 409 increases, the current flowing in thetransistor 409 increases and the ON resistance decreases as thetemperature rises. The internal resistances of the coils 120 f and 120 gof the generating device 120 increase, the currents flowing in the coils120 f and 120 g decrease, and the braking force of the generating device120 decreases as the temperature rises. The resistor 407 is a device forcompensating for reduction of the braking force of the generating device120 due to temperature rise. When the device 410 is provided with anegative characteristic with respect to fluctuations of the internalresistance of and the current flowing in the generating device 120 dueto temperature rise, the braking force of the generating device 120 doesnot fluctuate, the rotation velocity of the shaft 118 does notfluctuate, the velocity of the homeward rotation of the first cam 108does not fluctuate, and the rotation velocities of the second cam 113and the third cam 115 do not fluctuate even if the temperaturefluctuates.

The aforementioned device 410 has also the following advantage. When therotation velocity of the generating device 120 changes, the outputvoltage of the generating device 120 changes, and the voltage applied tothe input terminal 400 changes. When the rotation velocity increases,the electromotive force increases to increase the input voltage of thetransistor 409. When the rotation velocity decreases, the electromotiveforce decreases to decrease the input voltage of the transistor 409.When the rotation velocity of the generating device 120 increases toincrease the electromotive force of the generating device 120, the gate(G) voltage increases to decrease the ON resistance of the transistor409, the current flowing in the transistor 409 increases, the resistanceof the device 410 decreases, the value of current consumer for thegenerating device 120 increases, and the rotation velocity of thegenerating device 120 decreases. While, when the rotation velocity ofthe generating device 120 decreases, the resistance of the device 410increases, the value of current consumer for the generating device 120decreases, and the rotation velocity of the generating device 120increases. As seen from the foregoing explanation, the value of thecurrent consumer is automatically adjusted as the rotation velocity ofthe generating device 120 changes to keep the rotation velocity of thegenerating device 120 substantially constant.

Therefore, even if the driving torque changes, the rotation velocity ofthe generating device 120 is kept constant, the velocity of theoperations of the valves are kept constant, the durations of theoperations of the valves are kept constant, and the operations of thevalves become stable.

A resistor 404 is connected to a resistor 403 in parallel through aswitch 405. It is possible to manipulate the switch 405 normally turnedOFF to drive the resistor 404 to ON condition, thereby adjusting thevalue of the current consumer for the generating device 120. A capacitor402 removes noise, absorbs excessive input current, and preventsmalfunction, etc. when the switch 405 is distanced from the device 410and connected to the device 410 with a signal wire. When the switch 405can be manipulated from outside of the device 410, it is possible for auser to manipulate the switch 405 to adjust the gate (G) voltage of thetransistor 409, thereby adjusting the operation velocities of the valvesand the durations of the operations of the valves freely depending onthe purpose. When operation of the switch 405 is linked with themanipulation of the control lever 106, it is possible to change theoperation velocities of the valves and the durations of the operationsof the valves freely only over a predetermined section of the movementor only during a predetermined period, thereby easily carrying outcomplex control of the operations of the valves and freely changing thequantity of the discharging wash water. When a plurality of operationvelocities of the valves different from each other or a plurality ofdurations of the operations of the valves different from each other areset in advance and a desirable operation velocity or a desirableduration of the operation can be selected, the operations of the valvescan be started and stopped safely and surely even if a user not used tothe valve controller 105 manipulates it the wrong way or a unexpectedmalfunction occurs in the mechanism of the valve controller 105.

The MOSFET provided with a depression-enhancement type characteristiccan be driven by a micro voltage and controlled by micro currentoperation. Therefore, it can be driven by a micro electromotive force ofthe generating device 120. The device 410 provided with the MOSFET canset the value of the current consumer accurately, surely and freely,achieve temperature compensation, and achieve velocity compensation.

A mechanical timer that can be added to the mechanical timer 117provided for the valve controller 105 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 23, a friction brake 500 is provided with a rotor 501and a stator 502. A coil spring 503 forces the rotor 501 against thestator 502 through a slip washer 504 to generate bearing pressure in theabutting portion between them. A nut 507 threads on an external thread506 of a fixed shaft 505. It is possible to adjust the degree ofthreading of the nut 507 to adjust the bearing pressure in the abuttingportion between the rotor 501 and the stator 502. A gear 508 is formedintegrally with the rotor 501. The gear 508 meshes the third gear 114 ofthe valve controller 105. The rotor 501 rotates as the third gear 114rotates to generate frictional heat in the abutting portion between therotor 501 and the stator 502. Thus, a part of the strain energy releasedfrom the helical coil spring 111 is consumed in the abutting portionbetween the rotor 501 and the stator 502 to become frictional heat.Frictional resistance appearing in the abutting portion between therotor 501 and the stator 502 regulates the velocity of the homewardrotation of the first cam 108, the velocities of the rotations of hesecond cam 113 and the third cam 115, and the duration of the operationof the helical coil spring 111. It is possible to adjust the degree ofthreading of the nut 507 to adjust the value of the frictionalresistance in the abutting portion between the rotor 501 and the stator502, thereby adjusting the duration of the operation of the helical coilspring 111.

A push button type device for driving the first gear 107 of the valvecontroller 105 will be described. The device can be used instead of thecontrol lever 106.

As shown in FIG. 24, a push button 552 forced by a spring 551 isconnected to a toilet body 553. When the push button 552 is forced, arack 554 is driven, the first gear 107 of the valve controller 105meshing the rack 554 is rotated, and strain energy is accumulated in thehelical coil spring 111. The rack 554 is provided with a cam 555. A camrod 566 engages the cam 555. The cam rod 556 engages the switch 405 ofthe device 410 or the nut 507 of the friction brake 500.

Before the push button 552 is manipulated, the aforementioned membersare in the conditions shown in FIG. 24(a), wherein the push button 552is distanced from the rack 554, and the cam rod 556 abuts the left sideend face of the cam 555.

When a user forces the push button 552 to move it by a predetermineddistance, the push button 652 abuts the rack 554 to move the rack 554 toa point shown in FIG. 24(b). The cam rod 556 abuts the right side endface of the cam 555. The first gear 107 is rotated, strain energy isaccumulated in the helical coil spring 111, the first cam 108 rotates topush up the cam rod 14, and the cam rod 14 leaves the rectangular cutoutof the second cam 113 outwardly in radial direction. The clutchprojection 110 a has gone up the slope of the clutch projection 110 b tothe head and opposes the next clutch projection 10 b. Theperpendicularly concaving rear end 110 a ″ of the clutch projection 110a opposes the perpendicularly concaving fore end 110 b′ of the clutchprojection 10 b. When the user removes his or her hand from the pushbutton 552, the helical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strainenergy, the clutch projection 110 a meshes with the clutch projection110 b, the first cam 108 rotates homeward at a predetermined velocity,the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 rotate at predeterminedvelocities, and the selector valve 3 and the switching valve 2 areswitched at predetermined velocities and durations of operations.

When the user forces the push button to move it a little further, thecam rod 556 is driven by the cam 555 as shown in FIG. 24(c). Thus, thecam rod 556 turns ON the switch 405 of the device 410 to change thevalue of current consumer for the generating device 120 or changes thedegree of threading of the nut 507 of the friction brake 500 to changethe value of frictional resistance in the abutting portion between therotor 501 and the stator 502. The clutch projection 110 a has gone upthe slope of the clutch projection 110 b to the middle. When the userremoves his or her hand from the push button 552, the helical coilspring 111 releases the accumulated strain energy and the first cam 108rotates homeward at a high velocity. The clutch projection 110 a goesdown the slope of the clutch projection 10 b promptly to mesh with theclutch projection 110 b, the first cam 108 rotates homeward at thechanged velocity, the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 rotate, andthe selector valve 3 and the switching valve 2 are switched at thechanged velocities and operating durations. It is possible to change thevelocity of the homeward rotation of the first cam 108, the velocitiesof rotations of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115, therebyachieving various kinds of flushing modes with different durations offlushing and different quantities of discharging wash water. It ispossible to change the velocity of rotation continuously depending onthe distance of the movement of the push button 552 instead of changingthe velocity of rotation alternatively.

An example of a device for setting the value of current consumer isshown in FIG. 25. (a) is a plan view and (b) is a horizontal sectionalview. When a user engages a driver with a cross shaped groove 602 formedon an adjusting knob 601 of a device for setting the value of currentconsumer to rotate the adjusting knob 601, a shaft 603 rotatesintegrally with the adjusting knob 601, the rotation of the shaft 603 istransmitted to the nut 507 of the friction brake 500 to adjust thedegree of threading of the nut 507, the value of the frictionalresistance in the abutting portion between the rotor 501 and the stator502 is adjusted, and the velocity of operation and the velocity ofduration of operation of the valve controller 105 is adjusted. It ispossible to transmit the rotation of the shaft 603 to a control lever ofthe resistance R1 or R2 of the mechanical timer 117, thereby driving thecontrol lever of the resistance R1 or R2 structured as a variableresistor, adjusting the value of the resistance, and adjusting thevelocity of operation and the velocity of duration of operation of thevalve controller 105. An engaging projection 605 a of a fixed platespring 605 engages one of engaging grooves 604 formed on thecircumferential surface of the adjusting knob 601 at a constant pitch.Thus, the adjusting knob 601 or the shaft 603 rotates stepwise anddiscontinuously. An engaging projection 606 formed on the adjusting knob601 abuts a stopper 607 a or a stopper 607 b to prevent the adjustingknob 601 from rotating excessively due to wrong manipulation. An arrowformed by a part of the groove 602 indicates a division 608 to indicatethe present set value of current consumer clearly. The device 600 makesit possible to adjust the value of the current consumer easily andsurely.

The structure of the mechanical timer is not limited to those in theaforementioned embodiments. City water, oil, etc. can be used as theoperating fluid of the mechanical timer A. Any kind of motor such as astepping motor, a synchronous motor, a brushless motor, DC brushlessmotor, etc. can be used for the generating device 120 of the mechanicaltimer 17.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

The flush toilet of the present invention can be used widely as awater-saving flush toilet adapted to be usable even at an electricservice interruption.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flush toilet comprising a toilet body, a watersupply pipe connected to supply wash water, a discharge port connectedto discharge wash water, a valve disposed between the water supply pipeand the discharge port, a valve switching device operably connected toswitch the valve, a spring connected to drive the valve switchingdevice, a mechanical timer, comprising a generator driven by the springand a variable resistor connected to the generator, and a starteroperably connected to supply the spring with strain energy, wherein thespring releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive the valveswitching device, the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strainenergy released from spring to regulate a duration of the operation ofthe spring, the variable resistor is connected to adjust the rate of thestrain energy consumption by the mechanical timer to adjust the durationof the operation of the spring, and the variable resistor is selectableamong a plurality of different rates of strain energy consumption.
 2. Aflush toilet of claim 1, wherein the rate of strain energy consumptionby the mechanical timer increases and decreases as the driving velocityof the spring increases and decreases.
 3. A flush toilet of claim 1,further comprising a switch for being manipulated to manipulate thevariable resistor.
 4. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein the variableresistor is manipulated with the starter.
 5. A flush toilet of claim 1,wherein the valve comprises a pilot-operated valve.
 6. A flush toilet ofclaim 5, further comprising a pipe connecting a pilot valve portion ofthe pilot-operated valve with a switching valve portion of thepilot-operated valve.
 7. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein the flushtoilet comprises a plurality of the discharge ports, and the valvecomprises a switching valve disposed on a wash water passage extendingfrom the water supply pipe and a selector valve for alternativelysupplying one of the discharge ports with wash water.
 8. A flush toiletof claim 7, wherein the selector valve is disposed downstream of theswitching valve and connected to the switching valve in series.
 9. Aflush toilet of claim 7, further comprising a starter that is operablyconnected and manipulatable to open the switching valve.
 10. A flushtoilet of claim 9, wherein said starter operably connected andmanipulatable to supply the spring with strain energy comprises thestarter operably connected and manipulatable to open the switchingvalve.
 11. A flush toilet of claim 7, wherein the valve switching devicecomprises a first cam for opening the switching valve and a second camfor closing the switching valve, the first cam has a shape adapted togradually open the switching valve, and the second cam has a shapeadapted to rapidly close the switching valve.
 12. A flush toilet ofclaim 7, wherein the valve switching device comprises a third cam forswitching the selector valve, and the third cam has a shape adapted togradually open the selector valve and rapidly close the selector valve.13. A flush toilet of claim 7, wherein the valve switching device opensthe switching valve in its outward movement.
 14. A flush toilet of claim1, further comprising a flow control valve for regulating flow rate ofthe wash water.
 15. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein the flow controlvalve is flow regulating valve for achieving a constant flow rate.
 16. Aflush toilet of claim 1, further comprising a case for receiving thevalve, the valve switching device, the spring, and the mechanical timer.17. A flush toilet of claim 1, further comprising a stopper forregulating a manipulated variable of the starter at a predeterminedlevel.
 18. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein the valve switching devicemoves reciprocally and its operation in the outward movement isasymmetrical with that in the homeward movement.
 19. A flush toilet ofclaim 18, wherein the valve switching device comprises a cam and a camengaging member for engaging the cam with the valve alternatively at theoutward movement of the valve switching device or at the homewardmovement of the valve switching device.
 20. A flush toilet of claim 19,wherein the valve switching device comprises a spring for forcing thecam engaging member to a position where the cam engaging member canengage the cam.
 21. A flush toilet of claim 19, wherein the cam engagingmember and the cam move reciprocally in one united body.
 22. A flushtoilet of claim 18, further comprising a projection provided for thestarter for controlling the stroke of the reciprocal movement of thevalve switching device.
 23. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein the valveswitching device is driven only by the spring.
 24. A flush toilet ofclaim 1, further comprising a return spring for releasing the engagementof the starter with the spring after the operation of the starter forsupplying the spring with strain energy is completed to return thestarter to the start point.
 25. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein thevalve closes under the upstream pressure.
 26. A flush toilet of claim 1,wherein the valve switching device comprises a cam.
 27. A flush toiletof claim 26, wherein the cam is provided with a shape wherein thecomponent of a force applied from the cam to the valve in the directionof switching of the valve is larger than that in the direction at rightangles to the aforementioned direction.
 28. A flush toilet of claim 1,wherein the valve switching device comprises a plurality of cams and theshape of a cam for switching the valve in the outward movement of thevalve switching device is different from that of a cam for switching thevalve in the homeward movement of the valve switching device.